Schalke - Arsenal Betting Preview: Back Bundesliga side to extend lead at top ... - Goal.com

Arsenal made a strong start to the season both domestically and in Europe but with their form faltering, a result is needed at Schalke on Tuesday.

The Gunners were beaten by their German opponents at Emirates Stadium two weeks ago but wins over Olympiakos and Montpellier mean they will still be well placed with victory here.

Arsene Wenger's side have safely negotiated the opening group stage of the UEFA Champions League for 12 consecutive seasons. The visitors are 3/1 (4.00) with Paddy Power to claim the three points that will take them back to the top of Group B.

That will be a challenge against a Schalke side that has been in fine form, winning five in a row prior to a shock last-minute defeat at Hoffenheim on Saturday.

In fact, before that disappointment, the Gelsenkirchen team had won nine of their previous 12 matches.

Huub Stevens' men are 17/20 (1.85) favourites with Paddy Power to win a sixth home game of the campaign. The draw that would be enough to keep them top of the group is available at 11/4 (3.75).

In the goalscorer markets, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is the favourite to score first and that reflects the fact that he has scored in all three of Schalke's European matches so far this season. Huntelaar is 4/1 (5.00) to bag the opener at Veltins-Arena.

Lukas Podolski is the best bet for the Gunners. Two of his four goals for the club have come in Europe and the Germany international has a good record against Schalke from his Cologne days.

Podolski struck an early opener both home and away against Schalke last season and is available at 8/1 (9.00) with Paddy Power to continue that streak here.

But expect Arsenal's poor habit of falling behind to be a problem. They have conceded the opening goal in eight of their last 11 matches while Schalke have netted first in 10 of their last 13.

With that in mind, given Schalke's strong home record, the price of 8/13 (1.62) for the home side to score first looks the pick of the bets here.

For the value bet, consider the fact that six of Schalke's previous 13 games have seen them lead 1-0 at the interval. Schalke are 3/1 (4.00) with Paddy Power to score the only goal of the first half.

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Adam Bate is a professional freelance journalist who specialises in football and betting. He is editor of GhostGoal which can be found here - you can also follow Adam on